Endoparasite
- Pronunciation
- /en-doh-PAR-uh-site/
- Category
- Parasitology
- Singular
- Endoparasite
- Plural
- Endoparasites
Definition
A parasite that lives inside the body of its host, often within the host's tissues or organs.
Etymology
From Greek 'endo-', meaning 'inside', and 'parasitos', meaning 'one who eats at the table of another'.
Example
The larvae of the parasitic wasp serve as endoparasites by living inside and consuming their host from within.
Synonyms
- Internal parasite
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Endoparasites can have complex life cycles including various hosts and may cause diseases or conditions in their host.